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MG MGB Technical - Track rod ends and Minators

Hi last year I changed the track rod ends for the MOT, I asked Moss Bristol for the small ones and they sold me the pattern ones with the Z suffix on the part number. True they are slightly smaller and the metal does not rub the wheel, but the rubber boot does, and although not worn through yet, I think it will fail this years MOT.
My question is, do the proper small ones have a different boot on, or can I just change the boots on the present ones and do something to them.
I have seen these on ebay with a grease nipple, are they any better.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360277054716?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Chris Cummins
c cummins

if you can sort it then replace boots can be from here, I've no idea of quality -
http://www.balljointboots.co.uk/
Nigel Atkins

Chris
it should be the ones gsj168a for the minitor wheels.
Ste
Ste Brown

Ste and Nigel, I can change the ends to gsj168a spec, but this bugs as they are twice the price, and I will have to have them tracked. The ones I put have only done about 500 miles and do not touch, it is the rubber boot that bellows as the nut is tightened that touches. I am not sure the "A" suffix will not do the same.
I am tempted to just change the rubber boots ( Moss sell them and I know what their quality is like!!! ) and put two of my old Rostyles on the front for the MOT.
c cummins

Chris,
there are methods discussed on the midget & Sprite forum for doing the tracking yourself

or if you know that the existing set up is in alignment and carefully measure the existing TRE fixing length and copy it you may not need further tracking adjustment - I changed TRE and when checked they were spot on and I'm far from being a competent mechanic

T*SS web site clearly states them as an alternative where rims foul, they're also available elsewhere

many rubber products or parts with rubber in them can be of very poor to abysmal quality nowadays including TRE boots (and steering rack gaiters) personally I no longer deal with T*ss so can't say about their quality of products but do know their quality of customer service can be very low and poor

when I fitted Minator wheels to my Midget the balancing weights stuck on the inside caught the ends of the TRE, I course I didn't know this when I first drove it and it sounded like the brakes had fell off, very disconcerting in even the very few yards I'd traveled, the weights had to be moved further inboard
Nigel Atkins

Nigel I only use Moss because they are within OAP buspass/walking distance. Through the years I have had nose to nose discusions with them over quality and service. Last year when I bought the TREs from them which they assured me were smaller ( which they are, but not much ) I also bought an uprated ARB which when fitted jammed into the top wishbone. I was told bad fitting items were part and parcel of owning a classic car.
As to tracking, I've got a kick plate, it's ok but you can spend hours with it. Like doing a brake fluid change, it's one of the jobs I will take to a garage.
c cummins

Chris,
when T*ss sent me the wrong part they (including a higher level customer manager) blamed first my car and then me for not knowing what to order despite me exchanging at least 9 emails with them checking the part was correct before I ordered it

I'm with you I pay to have my alignment checked but to some on the Midget & Sprite forums at least that's almost seen as a crime and certainly makes you less of a 'real man' (same as reading instructions or books before doing the work)

when I changed my TRE and had an alignment check they said I'd got it spot on so didn't do any work or charge

if the kick-plate is one of those plates with tread marks that you drive over I've often wondered if they work but was told they do

lots of T*ss competitors big and small sell the boots and fixing springs and at least a couple gsj168a

it would be interesting to compare gsj168a with other TRE at a general motor factor to see if it's specially made or a standard TRE from another vehicle
Nigel Atkins

I found the TRE I took off, ( original I guess ) and the rubber boot is of a concertina type, so it does not bellow out so much. I've scoured the net and can't find any like it.
Although the smaller, twice as dear TREs may enable balance weights to be put on the inside I don't think they stop wear to the rubber.


c cummins

Chris,
you could try posting that photo and asking on Midget & Sprite forum as a couple there might know that type of boot
Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed between 01/08/2013 and 04/08/2013

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